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I'm new to this forum and need some advice. In a nutshell, I have a .46 acre yard, mostly flat with a few trees and shrubs to get around, and it tales me an hour and fifteen minutes to mow the yard with a 21" mower. I also work a 60 hour week and am raising a family, so frequently get behind in my yard work because I have little time to spare. I was thinking of replacing my aging mower with a wider format model to save some time, but have found precious few choices in the category between 21 and 42 inches for the homeowner (non-commercial). I want to buy new, because I'm of the opinion than very few people properly service/maintain their lawn equipment and when you buy used you are buying other people's problems. Also I only have $1200 max to spend. So all there is in this market segment is a Toro Timemaster 30," walk-behind, or a rear engine rider (Troy-built/Craftsman/Cub Cadet CC/ 30"), which all appear to be the same machine at different price points, all made by MTD, which also have mixed reviews, just like the Toro Timemaster. I don't really want a 42" as it seems a little big for my yard and it would take up more room in my crowded garage.

So a few days ago, I purchased a "reconditioned" 2014 Toro Timemaster 30" at Home Depot for $400 off the retail price, thinking I got the deal of the century. I took it back the next day because it ran rough and took a million hard pulls to start each time. I think either the carb was leaking gas into the cylinder from lodged dirt in the float/needle or the compression release valve was stuck. Once I got it running, it cut the grass beautifully. But the engine had troubles. I took the reconditioned one back went to buy a new one, but the lawn and garden manger came up to me and said not to buy it. He said nearly all the Toro Timemasters he's sold this year have been returned for engine trouble. He said to buy one of the many riders they have online for about the same price. I'm torn because the the Toro Timemaster is perfect for my yard, but online reviews and the Homedepot Lawn & Gareden manager paint a picture of unreliability, and $1000.00 is a bit much to pay for a problem machine. I called an Atlanta are independent Toro dealer and they said they don't sell them anymore, just service them because it's not a quality brand anymore and parts are hard to come by.

So what would you do if you were in my shoes? Or in my yard?

Much thanks in advance for whatever advice you can give.

One option might be to purchase the commercial version of the Timemaster, either the Toro Turfmaster or the Exmark Commercial 30. They come with a Kawasaki engine that has a good bit more power. They also cost more, about $2000 including tax.

I own a Timemaster and a Exmark 30". The Briggs engine has been somewhat problematic.

The 2015 model mowers will be introduced soon. Have you considered waiting a bit to see what is coming? The 30" mowers have been a hit and other manufacturers will likely be introducing their versions.

The GIE Expo is late October in Louisville, Ky. While this event is primarily for commercial equipment sometimes residential products are shown to the public.

One other suggestion: YBravo makes a 25-26" mower. Not sure if it is available through dealers or online only.

Not heard a good word for that machine. Ybravo are an up and coming company who make a commercial rig that is above your budget a tad, but should be a real long term investment. I'm going to check them out at GIE regards a dealership. But I digest... Kinda stuck for useful advice today!

sjessen said:

One option might be to purchase the commercial version of the Timemaster, either the Toro Turfmaster or the Exmark Commercial 30. They come with a Kawasaki engine that has a good bit more power. They also cost more, about $2000 including tax.

I own a Timemaster and a Exmark 30". The Briggs engine has been somewhat problematic.

The 2015 model mowers will be introduced soon. Have you considered waiting a bit to see what is coming? The 30" mowers have been a hit and other manufacturers will likely be introducing their versions.

The GIE Expo is late October in Louisville, Ky. While this event is primarily for commercial equipment sometimes residential products are shown to the public.

One other suggestion: YBravo makes a 25-26" mower. Not sure if it is available through dealers or online only.

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Ok, thanks! I thought there might be some year end sales but none so far. I may just wait until spring to see if there are any other options.

In this area the TimeMaster has been a popular model and we have sold a dozen or more this year to both commercial and residential customers. Have not seen any problems with the engines. The people at Home Depot and other big box stores are idiots and have no idea what they are talking about. Glad you took the "reconditioned unit" back. There is now such thing as a reconditioned units sold by Toro and more than likely, the warranty would have been voided. Talk to your local Toro dealers about year end clearances, you should be able to get a good deal by someone who needs to make room.

Rivets said:

In this area the TimeMaster has been a popular model and we have sold a dozen or more this year to both commercial and residential customers. Have not seen any problems with the engines. The people at Home Depot and other big box stores are idiots and have no idea what they are talking about. Glad you took the "reconditioned unit" back. There is now such thing as a reconditioned units sold by Toro and more than likely, the warranty would have been voided. Talk to your local Toro dealers about year end clearances, you should be able to get a good deal by someone who needs to make room.

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Thanks for the advice! I called a few of the Toro dealers close to me and they had none in stock. If I ever do buy one at a big box store, I would buy it in a box and set it up myself rather than let the tool rental dept. do it.

Most of the Timemasters returned to a local Hd needed nothing more than an adjustment to the drive cable. The engine issues on the early units were largely things about fuel lines, leaking carbs, etc. Several of us from another forum have experienced overrevving. This was repaired by bending the metal bracket were the spring is attached. One or two guys got new engines from Toro. Other than that the engines have done ok.

MRCo. said:

Not heard a good word for that machine. Ybravo are an up and coming company who make a commercial rig that is above your budget a tad, but should be a real long term investment. I'm going to check them out at GIE regards a dealership. But I digest... Kinda stuck for useful advice today!

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PM me if you want more info on the YBravo. I own one.

I had a TimeMaster for about 6-8 months and it was a recon unit that I bought used. Never had a single problem with it. I'm using a Craftsman 33 walk behind right now. Cuts fine but I'd like to have more cutting height adjustability. Other than the low maximum cutting height and lack of a bag I'm liking it more than the Toro Turfmaster that I just sold. The biggest question mark is the long term reliability... I'm guessing it may be short in that department but it's just a temporary mower.

You sound young and busy. Any man that works 60 hours a week and is raising a family needs some time to himself. One hour and 15 minutes sounds like about the right amount of time to yourself. Just keep mowing or buy another 21 inch mower. Get as many or as few bells and whistles as you like. Enjoy your yard time. When you are 50 or more you will wish you had enjoyed it a lot more. One hour and fifteen minutes is not that hard to come by. Make the time. Save some time somewhere else.

possum said:

You sound young and busy. Any man that works 60 hours a week and is raising a family needs some time to himself. One hour and 15 minutes sounds like about the right amount of time to yourself. Just keep mowing or buy another 21 inch mower. Get as many or as few bells and whistles as you like. Enjoy your yard time. When you are 50 or more you will wish you had enjoyed it a lot more. One hour and fifteen minutes is not that hard to come by. Make the time. Save some time somewhere else.

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Thanks for the advice, but I'm 51 and have mowed enough yards in my life and now find most other activities more fun and relaxing than cutting grass. I hear you about needing alone time, though!